Political Quotes

“I rise to comment on the concerns I have about recent proposals to dramatically change the regulatory structure of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Recently, legislation was introduced to make dramatic changes in the regulatory structure of TVA, starting with the granting of regulatory authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. TVA has had remarkably stable rates over the last decade, with only one significant rate increase during this time period. I agreed that TVA has not been run perfectly through the years. However, to consider a substantial regulatory overhaul for this agency at a time when comprehensive electric industry deregulation is right around the corner appears to me to be premature and unwise. Legislation to impose additional regulatory controls at a time when the Congress is beginning to seriously consider significantly less regulation for the rest of the industry seems contradictory to me. In addition, I have concerns about the impact of such a proposal on the coal industry in my state. I would strongly oppose efforts to impose a new federal regulatory layer that may limit the flexibility of TVA to purchase Kentucky coal. TVA buys over 26 million tons of Kentucky coal per year, which adds $600 million to the economy of my State. TVA is responsible for more than 20 percent of all coal purchases in Kentucky. I have heard from many Kentuckians who are concerned about this new regulatory proposal.”